Gold star for Elderbank Early years

Elderbank Early Years Centre produces ‘happy, settled and confident’ pre-school children, according to a glowing report.

The Irvine nursery was inspected in December of last year and has been lavished with praise by the Care Inspectorate.

In the inspection report, the work of staff in producing a nurturing, warm and inclusive environment is highlighted.

It also goes on to recognise the learning opportunities for pupils which are varied, innovative and creative. The inspectors found the children to be confident and engaged and always willing to play an active role when learning and developing their skills.

The role of parents/carers and how they feel connected to the Centre was also highlighted. These excellent engagement levels help ensure that events – such as Stay and Play and Bookbugs – are well attended.

The school and nursery has received a number of positive inspections previously – but this one was the best yet.

Head Teacher Jacqueline Robertson said: “We are all absolutely thrilled with this report. It’s deserved recognition for all our brilliant early years’ practitioners and staff who go the extra mile to make a difference.

“It’s all about the children. The most important thing for all the staff is that the children are happy, content and developing new skills. It’s great that the inspectors recognised this.

“We are very lucky to have such wonderful young people and supportive parents/carers. It’s a real team effort and this report is a reflection of the input of everyone involved with the Centre.”

Councillor John Bell, Cabinet Member for Education and Youth Employment, added: “This is a fantastic inspection report so a huge well done to Ms Robertson and her team. They clearly do a fantastic job.

“Early Years is such an important stage in a young person’s development and it’s clear that the young people at Elderbank are being given a fantastic start to their educational journey.”